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I've been putting a drop of vanilla extract in my dog's Kong toy every day for weeks — is this harmful long-term?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Yes, giving vanilla extract daily is not recommended due to the alcohol content. While a single drop is unlikely to cause immediate harm, the alcohol can accumulate or irritate over time, and daily exposure is unnecessary. It's safer to use a tiny scrape of real vanilla bean pod or skip it altogether. Watch for any signs like increased thirst, vomiting, or unusual behavior, and discuss safer enrichment options with your own vet.

Persimmon — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Listed by ASPCA as toxic: unripe fruit and seeds can cause stomach upset, and the flesh may form a blockage in the gut.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Persimmon should not be given to dogs at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Why these cautions matter

Stone-fruit pits and some seeds release cyanide when crushed, and quite apart from that they are a choking and blockage hazard.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Persimmon food facts page.

Open the full food page: Persimmon food facts →

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